So, do you?  If you're like me, the answer is probably no.

We all know we need it.  Well, we know other people need it.

Seriously, we understand the importance of rest for productivity. So why is it so hard to make time for rest?

I have to admit I'm preaching to the choir here.  Over the years I have stayed up too late working on lesson plans and grading assignments; prepping emails, agendas, and notes for meetings; creating lessons or prepping activities for church; etc...  I'm sure you've been there too.

And when the lesson, meeting or activity goes well we tell ourselves that it was worth it.  I mean, duh?  We hit the mark and it couldn’t possibly have happened had we not ___________ (you fill in the blank).

Then we repeat the cycle – sacrificing our rest and potentially our health because everything has to get done (more on that in a later blog).

The thing is we can sustain a crushing day or two, maybe even more, but at some point our focus and energy are depleted and we are no longer functioning at our best.

If you struggle to prioritize rest, I have a few suggestions for you:

·      Start small – don’t try to change everything at once

·      Shift your bedtime – try going to bed 15-30 minutes earlier each night

·      Block off some time on your calendar for you – I know you’ve heard it before but what gets scheduled gets done 

Don’t get discouraged if what you try this week doesn’t work.  If this is new to you it may take a few weeks to figure it out.  The important things is to make rest a priority and get started.

Y’all have a great week!

     Renee'